Dufty's try of the year contender not enough as Roosters hold on

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Sydney Roosters v St George Illawarra Dragons

Siosiua Taukeiaho has asserted himself as the competition's best front rower, leading the Roosters to a 20-10 win over the Dufty-inspired Dragons at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 

Taukeiaho made the most of his 54 minutes on the field, running for over 250 metres, busting five tackles and scoring the match-winning try. 

The Roosters were dominant in the first half, jumping out to a 14-0 lead off the back of having 70% of the ball.

The Tricolours looked to have struck early when James Tedesco burst through, only for the fullback to be held up after a strong one-on-one tackle from Zac Lomax.

While Tedesco constantly threatened throughout the first half, Latrell Mitchell was also impressive and if not for an obstruction would have had two tries.

The first try came when he picked up a late pass from Daniel Tupou to slice over in the 15th minute. 

Mitchell looked to have powered through the line to score soon after but Boyd Cordner stopped in the line, denying the Dragons defenders a genuine chance at tackling the tearaway centre.

Angus Crichton eventually extended their lead when he muscled his way over several Dragons defenders in the 31st minute. 

Despite the 14-point deficit at the break, the Red V had done well to hold the Roosters to just two tries. 

And they were rewarded with the first try of the second half when Lomax dived over in the 48th minute.

With all the momentum, the Dragons went over again, this time from inside their own half as Matt Dufty turned the Roosters defence inside out to reduce the buffer to four. It was a stunning try which has to be seen to be believed and the fullback continued to threaten late in the game. 

But an error from the fullback surrendered possession as Taukeiaho beat some tired Dragons defenders to seal the win.

Next week the Roosters look for seven-straight wins when they take on the Tigers while the Dragons aim to bounce back against Parramatta.